There is an enormous difference between, one one side, presenting and on the other, only reading from your script. Presentationmagazine.com therefore asked professional presenters to share their tips on how to significantly improve your presentations by making them become both professional and compelling.
1. Do not say “you all probably know/will/think…” stuff. Instead, find it out by asking your audience.
2. A microphone will not help you in the case that your pronunciation and speech in general are not clear or understandable. All the device does is make what you say louder. But you can perform some mouth exercises before you start.
3. Your audience is more affected by how you present your message than what the message is. Announce your message firmly and be confident. Display confident body language, it will make you feel more self-assured.
4. Standing in front of a large audience can be a stressful experience. Manage your nerves by using visualisation techniques. Furthermore, you can use this adrenalin to your advantage, because it helps you concentration and boosts your energy.
5. Your hand movements are the first indicators to your audience and can be unsettling to your audience if they make you appear nervous. Control these dangerous motions by making them into meaningful, illustrative gestures.
6. Win the attention of your audience by surprising them . Many people lose their concentration as soon as the presenter walks on the stage and says his name. Perhaps you can make a controversial, provocative statement at the very beginning.
Other tips to prepare for your presentation can be found in our Presentation skills section.
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